Getting Started With ESRI’s Field Apps

After a few weeks off, filled with the holidays💫, homemade tamales🫔, lots of reading📚, and family time🫂, I’m excited to dive back in with a fresh post! Over the next few weeks, I'm diving into field apps from the ESRI suite, because we all know how important those tools are for getting the job done!

Many of us work alongside folks in the field, collecting data that forms the backbone of our GIS projects. What we build for them, and how we set it up, directly impacts their data collection experience and their field days. I’ve spent more than a few days in the field, and I’ve learned two things: 1️⃣ Collecting data in the field is hard. 2️⃣ If tech fails, someone’s not having a good day, and it’s usually me!

ESRI offers some incredible mobile tools to support field operations, each tailored to different needs. Whether it’s the all-in-one power of Field Maps, the structured precision of Survey123, or the speed and simplicity of QuickCapture, these apps can transform how field data is collected, managed, and shared; so let's dive in!

Mobile Applications

ArcGIS Field Maps

ArcGIS Field Maps is a map-centric mobile app designed to streamline field workflows by integrating map viewing, data collection, editing, and location tracking.

Key Features:

• Data Collection and Editing: Collect points, lines, and polygons directly on the map. Edit existing GIS features and attributes. Attach photos, videos, and audio recordings to features.
• Smart Forms: Configure forms with conditional logic to streamline data entry. Include drop-downs, checkboxes, and date pickers to reduce input errors.
• Offline Use: Download maps for offline access and sync changes when back online.
• Location Tracking: Enable real-time location sharing and historical tracking of fieldworkers.
• GPS Integration: Captures high-accuracy location data using integrated or external GPS devices.
• Integration: Seamlessly works with ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise. Supports integrations with other ESRI apps like Workforce and Survey123.

Best For:

Field crews requiring an app for multiple workflows like inspections, utility mapping, and environmental monitoring. Some notable use cases include: inspecting assets like streetlights or water pipes, mapping invasive species in conservation projects, collecting data in remote areas without connectivity.

ArcGIS Survey123

Survey123 is a form-centric app for collecting structured data using forms, perfect for scenarios where standardized inputs are critical.

Key Features:

• Forms: Create forms with logic and validation (e.g., required fields, conditional visibility). Forms can also include complex calculations, custom JavaScript functions, and dynamic inputs. Embed maps for georeferenced data collection. Include multimedia fields for photos, videos, and audio, but also include functionality to attachments such as photos, PDFs, files, etc.
• Offline Data Collection: Use forms in areas without connectivity; data syncs once back online.
• Customizable Workflows: Publish forms with Survey123 Connect, allowing for custom XLSForm design. Prepopulate fields with existing GIS data.
• GPS Integration: Captures high-accuracy location data using integrated or external GPS devices.
• Real-Time Data Collection: Folks back in the office can view responses in real-time dashboards or directly within ArcGIS. Can also see in real-time if the data is loaded into FieldMaps
• Integration: Easily integrates with ArcGIS Online and Enterprise for analysis and reporting.

Best For:

Collecting survey-based data for infrastructure inspections, citizen science, or compliance reporting. Some notable use cases include: conducting environmental impact assessments, recording maintenance logs for field assets, gathering citizen feedback during community events.

ArcGIS QuickCapture

QuickCapture is a button-centric application that is simple, fast data collection app designed for high-speed, one-tap recording of observations and events.

Key Features:

• One-Tap Data Capture: Preconfigured buttons allow users to instantly record observations with associated attributes. Each button can capture a specific type of data, such as a photo, GPS location, or attribute value.
• GPS Integration: Captures high-accuracy location data using integrated or external GPS devices.
• Offline Support: Works offline for remote fieldwork, syncing data when connectivity is restored.
• Customizable Templates: Design buttons and workflows to suit specific projects or team needs.
• Integration: Data collected feeds directly into ArcGIS Online or Enterprise for analysis and visualization.

Best For:

High-speed data collection scenarios like disaster response, utility patrols, and environmental monitoring. Some notable use cases include: logging road damage after storms, monitoring wildlife sightings during surveys, collecting data for asset inventories while on the move.

So where do we go from here?

All of that sounds great, but let’s be real: these apps might start to feel a little similar after a while.

First, we need to ask ourselves: Is this going to be a new application for folks to adopt? If the answer is yes, the next question is: Are they willing to adopt it? For some teams, a gradual introduction might be necessary to get everyone comfortable.

For example, you might have field staff who are very accustomed to using ArcGIS Collector (RIP 🪦). Transitioning to Field Maps will be a simple upgrade for them, given its familiarity and similar functionality. But what if Field Maps isn’t the best fit? Say your team is constantly on the move and needs a tool for quick data collection. In that case, QuickCapture might be the perfect choice. However, since it will be a new tool for them, some extra guidance and “hand-holding” will probably be necessary to ensure the app is used effectively. A bit of training and patience upfront can make all the difference in long-term adoption and success.

I’ve put together a quick decision tree to help you figure out which app might be the best fit for your field staff’s needs

Combine and Conquer

These applications don’t have to operate in silos. You can mix and match them for an even more powerful workflow.

Here is an example of what I mean:

• Link a Survey123 form to a Field Maps pop-up: This allows your team to collect detailed, structured data directly from the map interface.
• Add a QuickCapture button to launch a Survey123 form: Perfect for fast-moving teams who need to capture quick data points but occasionally require more in-depth input.
• Use Field Maps as the central hub: Combine navigation, mapping, and integration points for both Survey123 and QuickCapture to create a streamlined workflow.

By leveraging these integrations, you can ensure that all aspects of the field data collection, from speed to precision, are accounted for, while keeping the process intuitive and user-friendly for your team.

Next week we will start our field app journey with FieldMaps!

GIS You Later!

Pro Tip: If you can, spend a day in the field with your field team(s). See firsthand what’s working (and what’s not), identify any challenges, and pitch in to help collect data using the apps you’ve set up. You’ll get valuable insights that can make all the difference in improving the workflow!